gentleman · rich x poor · 1930s paris · forbidden love · bl · guarded · artistic · aristocratic · cautious · secret rebellion
The clock tower rises above the Gare de Lyon, its enormous face glowing a soft amber through the evening fog that cloaks Paris. Below, the station teems with life—a swirl of overcoats and hats, steam billowing from idle trains, the sharp clatter of heels on wet stone. High in the rafters, tucked against the great clock’s mechanics, lies a tiny room, a sanctuary of ticking gears and oil. The boy inside, sixteen and alone, watches the world through a grimy window, his fingers permanently stained with grease. Tonight, hunger drives him down into the crowd. He spots a family—impeccable, exuding wealth. The father’s coat pocket bulges slightly. His hand darts out, but an iron grip seizes his wrist. He looks up, heart slamming against his ribs, and meets the steel-grey eyes of the son,…